The Rice Energy Finance Summit was created to promote forward-looking discussion on the most pertinent energy issues, and facilitate valuable relationships through the exchange of knowledge and ideas. This year’s conference, Exploring the Unconventional, will address ways in which the unlocking of vast resources through unconventional drilling affects the global economy, business activity, innovation, geopolitics, and domestic policy.

Keynote speakers and panelists will discuss energy in the U.S. and abroad from various perspectives – macro-economic, business, political, strategic, and technical. The ultimate goal is to provide a well-rounded program that will bring together a variety of perspectives as only a university can.

The 3rd annual Rice Energy Finance Summit will be held on Thursday October 27, 2011 at Rice University’s McNair Hall for the 3rd annual Rice Energy Finance Summit. A luncheon and cocktail reception will be hosted by our Flagship Corporate Sponsors Chevron and Citi.

Speakers

Keynote speakers and panelists will discuss energy in the U.S. and abroad from various perspectives – macro-economic, business, political, strategic, and technical. The ultimate goal is to provide a well-rounded program that will bring together a variety of perspectives as only a university can.

Opening Remarks:

William (Bill) H. Glick, Ph.D. | H. Joe Nelson III Professor of Management, Bill has served as dean of the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business since July 2005.

Keynote Speakers:

Mr. Lee Boothby | Chairman, President & CEO, Newfield Exploration Co.Tapping Domestic Resources: Shale Oil and Natural GasNavigating the policy, public perception and reality of the production of unconventionals: What are the policy challenges ahead that could impede growth? How can the industry proactively address environmental concerns while expanding production?
(View Presentation Slides)

Dr. Kenneth Medlock, III| James A. Baker, III, and Susan G. Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics
Impact of Shale gas development on the geopolitical and macroeconomic landscape
Can the shale revolution be exported around the world? How are shale plays in places like Poland, South Africa and China going to change the marketplace? Will the US ever export LNG? What forces need to come together to make liquefaction and export economically and politically feasible?
(View Presentation Slides)

Mr. Tom HuffakerVice President for Policy and Environment, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

Mr. John B Connally, IVPartner, Vinson & Elkins

Closing Remarks:Bill Arnold - Professor in the Practice of Energy Management at the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University. Bill previously served as Royal Dutch Shell's Washington Director of International Government Relations and Senior Counsel for the Middle East, Latin America, and North Africa.

Summit Sponsorship

Rice Energy Finance Summit offers a significant opportunity for corporations and industry leaders to directly contribute to the development of thought leadership in the community. Summit and Table Sponsor opportunities are available. For sponsorship information please contact Erica Sedeño at esedeno@rice.edu

Special thanks to our sponsors for their support in promoting thought leadership.

Erica L. SedeñoCo-ChairmanErica Sedeño is a second year MBA candidate concentrating in Finance and Energy. In addition to co-chairing REFS, Erica covers the Energy & Utilities sector for the Jones School’s M.A. Wright Fund. This summer Erica interned at Total Safety, a global safety services company, where she played a role in developing and implementing the firm’s Bakken and Marcellus market entry strategies. She graduated from Trinity University, and prior to Rice worked in the Wealth Management division at Morgan Stanley.

Brian WalkerCommittee Co-ChairBrian is a 2nd-year full-time MBA student focused on transitioning into a future career in Houston as an investment banker with JP Morgan covering the oil and gas industry. In addition to his REFS role, Brian is also the 2011-2012 Finance Club president. Brian was born and raised in Houston and studied History and Economics at Texas Tech University before serving as a Marine Intelligence Officer from 2003 to 2010.

Vernon HenryProfessional Associations & Organizations LiaisonVernon is a 2nd-year year full-time MBA student at Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business, where he is concentrating in Energy and Finance. In addition to his REFS role, Vernon is also the 2011-2012 Energy Club President. Prior to starting his MBA, Vernon worked at Sterling Energy, Inc. as a landman and senior landman, where he was responsible for project coordination and intercompany contract negotiations. Vernon graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.A. in Psychology in 2004.

Guillermo MezzatestaCommittee Chameleon
Guillermo is a full-time MBA student at the Jones of School of Business concentrating in Energy and Finance. Previously, Guillermo worked in Germany for eight years as an Engineer for Continental AG, a major automotive supplier. He brings to the team a diverse background in international business, a systematic approach to problem solving, proven teamwork skills, and an aptitude for achieving results. He is fluent in German, Spanish, and English. Guillermo received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

Javier PenaflorBudgeting & Pricing Strategist
Javier is a 2nd-year Rice MBA Student at Jones School, originally from Lima Peru. He is pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Energy. He serves as a member of the Energy Club and is currently working as a board member of the Rice Energy Finance Summit.

He began his career as an Industrial Engineer at Cardell, where he developed SPC and AQL controls, managed international market capital projects. He continued his career with American Woodmark Corporation as a Project Engineering, where he led operations and process improvement, lean manufacturing activities, reduction of inventory projects and achieved several safety state recognitions. As an MBA he interned at Halliburton in the supply chain management program where he did some consulting on their inventory turnover and the implementation of a COE (Center of Excellence).

In his spare time, Javier is a member of several organizations such as NSHMBA, Humane Society and Hispanic Club. He also is a soccer player that has participated in several international championships in Europe and South America. Javier holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering with a Minor in Math from St. Mary’s University.

Ramesh RajasekeranInternational Liaison
Ramesh Rajasekeran is a chemical engineer and has 10 years of experience in the Oil and Gas industry. He worked as a Senior Manager - projects with Reliance Industries Ltd, India. He contributed as a key site project coordinator in building the world’s largest refinery in Jamnagar, India from 2006-2009. His expertise is operations, technical consulting, project management and business development. Presently, he is doing second year full time MBA program and working part time with FMC Technologies as Business Analyst.

Matt ScholinCommunication Resource & Data Management
Matt Scholin graduated from TCU in 2006 with a B.S. in International Economics. Prior to enrolling in the Rice MBA program, he worked for the management consulting firm Holland & Davis, and Pride International, an offshore oil and gas drilling company. During his time at both companies, Matt has gained extensive experience conducting market and competitor analysis, quantitative modeling and project management. Matt is concentrating in Energy and Finance at the Jones Graduate School of Business.

Sam VeselkaMass Media & Communication
Sam Veselka is attending the Jones School of Business pursing an MBA with a concentration in Finance and Energy. Previously he worked his way up at a Houston based window and door manufacturer called Showcase Windows to become Marketing Director within two years. He had received his BA in Economics from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2007.

Gabriel VillasmilLogistics & Planning
Gabriel Villasmil was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela. He received an electrical engineering degree from Universidad Metropolitana in 2000. He later completed a M.S. in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2002. He then moved to Houston to work as a Design Engineer at Schlumberger designing electronics for drilling equipment. He later worked for Baker Hughes as a lead Design Engineer and Project Leader. Gabriel is a 2nd-year MBA student at Jones Graduate School of Business, with a concentration in Energy and Finance.

Kosta ZujicFundraising & Corporate Liaison
Kosta is currently working for Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank in Houston, where he is gaining expertise in energy finance (focusing on the E&P sector). Prior to coming to study for his MBA at the Jones School, he practiced M&A and corporate tax law at Goodman Derrick LLP and Taylor Wessing LLP in London, advising on finance and private equity transactions (as well as associated tax-efficient structures). Kosta is a Vice President of the Jones School's Energy Club and brings strong communication and organizational skills to the REFS 2011 organizing committee.